Dynamometers for Historic Engines Course
300-hour online course in dynamometers applied to historic engines. 6 modules covering SAE J1349 (net engine power), ISO 1585 (engine test code for road vehicles) and Dynojet WinPEP. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Differentiate the types of power dynamometer and their advantages for historic engines.
Apply the atmospheric correction standards SAE J1349 and ISO 1585.
Design a safe test procedure that preserves the integrity of the historic engine.
Interpret torque, power and mixture curves obtained on the dynamometer.
Adjust carburation and ignition advance based on measured data.
Identify symptoms of wear or failure from test results.
Document tests and write technical reports for clients and collectors.
Who it's for
- Power dynamometer technician who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
- Historic engine tuner who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
- Engine test engineer who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
- Classic car tuning mechanic who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
- Engine laboratory manager who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
- Technical consultant for historic competition vehicles who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to join engine preparation workshops.
What you'll work with
- SAE J1349 (net engine power)
- ISO 1585 (engine test code for road vehicles)
- UNECE Regulation No. 85 (net power measurement)
- DIN 70020 (engine power, historical reference)
- ISO 3046-1 (reciprocating internal combustion engines)
- RD 1215/1997 (safety of work equipment)
- ISO/IEC 17025 (testing laboratories)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1What a dynamometer test is for1.2Brake power and wheel power1.3Measurement standards and their effect on the figure1.4Historical figures and how to compare them1.5Risks of testing a historic part1.6Deciding whether to test1.7Preparing the engine beforehand1.8Engine documentation and its history1.9Realistic expectations of the result1.10Workshop: preparing a test plan
2.1Engine dynamometer and roller dynamometer2.2Hydraulic, electric and inertia brakes2.3Coupling to the historic engine2.4Mounts and safety of the installation2.5Cooling during the test2.6Exhaust and gas extraction2.7Fuel supply2.8Instrumentation and sensors2.9Dynamometer calibration2.10Practical: mounting an engine on the dynamometer
3.1Running in and bringing to temperature3.2Tests at stabilised speed3.3Sweeps and their rate3.4Number of repetitions3.5Correction for atmospheric conditions3.6Safety limits during the test3.7Monitoring temperatures and pressures3.8Criteria for aborting the test3.9Recording the conditions3.10Practical: running a complete test
4.1Torque and power curves4.2Specific fuel consumption4.3Air-fuel ratio4.4Exhaust gas temperature4.5Detection of knock4.6Identifying engine limitations4.7Comparison with historical data4.8Uncertainty of the result4.9Technical test report4.10Practical: analysing a test and writing its report
5.1Carburation adjustment by range5.2Ignition advance curve and its optimisation5.3Trade-off with engine reliability5.4Available fuel and its octane rating5.5Validating each change5.6Risk of overstressing a historic engine5.7The restorer's conservative approach5.8Recording tested configurations5.9Communication with the owner5.10Practical: documented optimisation
6.1Inspecting the engine after the test6.2Detection of damage and wear6.3Subsequent maintenance6.4Traceability of the engine's history6.5Client service and liability6.6Cost of a test and its justification6.7Alternatives to bench testing6.8Common errors and losses6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: a test campaign on a historic engine
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is Dynojet WinPEP, MAHA LPS (roller dynamometer), MATLAB, Python (pandas, matplotlib), advanced Excel (curve correction), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real power dynamometer procedures: roller dynamometer, engine brake dynamometer, and tuning tests with a gas analyser. Assessment is continuous per module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Differentiate the types of power dynamometer and their advantages for historic engines.
Apply the atmospheric correction standards SAE J1349 and ISO 1585.
Design a safe test procedure that preserves the integrity of the historic engine.
Interpret torque, power and mixture curves obtained on the dynamometer.
Adjust carburation and ignition advance based on measured data.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Dynojet WinPEP, MAHA LPS (roller dynamometer), MATLAB, Python (pandas, matplotlib), advanced Excel (curve correction). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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